The site is not really suitable for solar but alternatives are limited. It is on a steep South facing hill (35degrees South, in New Zealand) and is surrounded by trees. Because it is a covenanted bush block, the trees can't be cut down. Sunlight is fairly good in Summer but there is no direct sunlight in the middle of Winter. The cost of getting a power connection is prohibitive ($50k+). Average wind speed is 5-6 m/s but a very tall pole for a wind turbine would be required because of the trees.
Supplementing solar with a backup generator in Winter could work. Shading is an issue and the panels really need to function reasonably well when there is no direct sunlight. There is a lot of discussion on the forum of thin film modules, mostly about problems with them. I am not too concerned about somewhat lower efficiency and shorter lifespan.
In view of the site limitations and recent developments in the technology, would thin film modules be appropriate?
Supplementing solar with a backup generator in Winter could work. Shading is an issue and the panels really need to function reasonably well when there is no direct sunlight. There is a lot of discussion on the forum of thin film modules, mostly about problems with them. I am not too concerned about somewhat lower efficiency and shorter lifespan.
In view of the site limitations and recent developments in the technology, would thin film modules be appropriate?
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